Aftermarket Value Priced replacement Diverter Valve solenoid or Bypass Valve solenoid for the turbocharged 2nd generation Mini Cooper S models.  This is the solenoid that is mounted on the turbo. Mounting bolts NOT included, but available separately.

Fits the following Cooper S  models:

2007-2013 R56 MINI Cooper S Hardtop
2008-2014 R55 MINI Cooper S Clubman
2009-2015 R57 MINI Cooper S Convertible
2012-2015 R58 MINI Cooper S Coupe
2012-2015 R59 MINI Cooper S Roadster
2011-2016 R60 MINI Cooper S Countryman
2013-2016 R61 MINI Cooper S Paceman

Also fits 2008-2012.5 JCW models with the N14 engine.

NOTE:  There are two different versions of the Diverter Valve Solenoid:

• Cooper S models with the N14 and N18 engines and the JCW models with the N14 engine
• JCW models with the N18 engine

Select accordingly.

The Diverter Valve or Bypass Valve is a safety mechanism on the turbo that 'manages' the boost produced by the turbo.  This system consists of two separate functions:

• Bypass exhaust gasses around the exhaust turbine in the turbo
• Divert (boosted) gasses into the intake system 

The mechanical exhaust bypass valve is actuated by a vacuum diaphragm which is controlled via vacuum fed by the Diverter Valve Solenoid.  This solenoid also actuates a diverter valve that diverts or reroutes excess boost into the intake system. 

The solenoid itself is controlled by the engine management system (ECU). When the solenoid receives a signal from the ECU, vacuum is produced which opens the valves to bypass the exhaust gasses around the exhaust turbine in the turbo and another valve diverts excess boost into the intake system upstream from the turbo.

This system protects the engine by:

• Limiting the maximum boost produced by the turbo
• Preventing excess boost 'surges' when suddenly releasing the accelerator pedal after hard acceleration

Aftermarket Blow Off Valves accomplishes similar results but in a different way.  Instead of bypassing excess boost into the intake system, the Blow Off Valve vents the excess boost into the atmosphere.  This produces a more noticeable 'whoosh' sound when letting off the gas which is a sound that some of the performance oriented drivers like to hear.

A variation to the exhaust bypass valve is the Wastegate which is a device that expells excess exhaust gasses to the atmosphere before the turbo in order to control or limit boost.  The Wastegate is typically found on dedicated track cars or some extreme street cars.